Breaking: San Francisco Dons Ready to Face Loyola Chicago in USF Legacy Doubleheader
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SAN FRANCISCO – In teh final week of nonconference play, the san Francisco Dons clash with Loyola Chicago in the nightcap of the third annual USF Legacy Doubleheader at Chase Center. The showdown, scheduled for Wednesday night, adds a top-tier tilt to a game slate that already promises high intensity and late-season impact for the Dons.
Game details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Loyola Chicago |
| Date | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. PT |
| Venue | Chase Center, san Francisco, California |
| Watch | ESPN+ (Barry Tompkins, Dan Belluomini) |
| Listen | KNBR 1050 (Pat Olson, Jim Brovelli) |
| Live Stats | StatBroadcast |
| Tickets | Ticketmaster |
| USF record | 6-5 |
| Loyola Chicago Record | 3-8 |
DONS AT A GLANCE
- San Francisco closed nonconference play with a 85-75 setback at Saint Louis, despite a 21-point night from Ryan Beasley.Tyrone Riley IV added 17 points, and Legend Smiley contributed 13 off the bench.
- Rebounding has been pivotal; the Dons are 6-1 when winning the glass but 0-4 when they are outboarded.
- Entering the final stretch before west Coast Conference play, USF leads the league in three-pointers per game (9.6), ranking among the top 70 nationally in threes per contest.
- Chase Center has been a home-away-from-home as 2019, but USF has yet to snap a three-game skid at Mission Bay’s arena footprint.
SCOUTING THE RAMBLERS
- Loyola Chicago has struggled early this season, winning 3 of 11 through mid-December, most recently falling to Chicago state 84-75.
- Transfer impact is evident, with Wisconsin transfer Xavier Amos pacing the Ramblers in his debut with 18 points on multiple triples in 22 minutes.
- Only four players remain from last year’s NIT run; Miles Rubin leads the team with 12.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
- The Ramblers turn the ball over at a higher rate than their opponents, a trend the Dons will look to exploit in the turnover margin battle.
SERIES HISTORY AT A GLANCE
- This will be the ninth meeting between the programs at Chase Center, with Loyola Chicago holding a 5-3 edge in those games.
- In last season’s meetings, USF won 76-66 at Milwaukee, and Loyola Chicago edged the Dons 77-76 in the second round of the 2025 NIT at the Hilltop.
KEY CONTEXT FOR ARCHYDE READERS
The Dons arrive with a balanced approach as they navigate the final nonconference test before the grind of conference play. Loyola Chicago’s early-season struggles provide an opponent with potential for momentum swings, especially if USF controls the boards and contains turnovers. Expect a purposeful defensive battle with crisp ball movement and timely shooting from beyond the arc.
Why this game matters
For San Francisco, a win would bolster confidence heading into WCC play and help elevate the team’s standing in national measurements, given their recent three-point shooting output. For Loyola Chicago, improved ball control and a cleaner defensive effort could spark a late-season surge as conference action begins.
Two angles to watch
- Can USF sustain its three-point pace and keep Loyola Chicago from exploiting second-chance opportunities?
- Which player steps up to pace the Dons on a night when out-of-conference experiance clashes with Loyola’s mid-major grit?
Follow the Dons on social media for real-time updates as the game unfolds: @USFDonsMBB, @USFDonsMBB, and @USFDonsMBB.
Fan gear remains available, and sponsors continue to support USF Athletics, helping the program compete at a high level while maintaining community connections.
What are you most looking forward to in this clash? Which matchup will decide the outcome: USF’s shooters or Loyola Chicago’s interior presence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
External resources: NCAA coverage and updates, plus live game updates on ESPN.
USF Dons Host Loyola Chicago in Third‑Annual Legacy Doubleheader Showdown at Chase Center
Event Overview
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 2025 – Tip‑off at 2:00 PM PT (doubleheader begins at 12:45 PM).
- Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA - State‑of‑the‑art arena with a 18,000‑seat capacity for college basketball.
- Series: Third‑annual Legacy Doubleheader, a partnership between the West Coast Conference (WCC) adn the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) to showcase marquee matchups and honor program alumni.
Location & Venue Details
| Feature | Facts |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 GS Warfield St, San Francisco, CA 94123 |
| Seating Options | Lower‑level courtside, mid‑level club seats, upper‑deck general admission, family zones. |
| Accessibility | ADA‑compliant entrances, wheelchair‑accessible restrooms, caption‑enabled video boards. |
| concessions | Local food trucks, vegan‑friendly options, specialty “Dons & Lions” menu items. |
| Tech Amenities | Free Wi‑Fi, mobile ordering via the Chase Center app, QR‑code ticket scans. |
Schedule & Broadcast Information
- 12:45 PM PT – Opening Ceremonies (Alumni walk‑out, tribute video).
- 1:00 PM PT – First Game: USF Dons vs. Loyola Chicago (Women’s basketball).
- 2:30 PM PT – Intermission (Live DJ set, sponsor activations).
- 3:00 PM PT – Second Game: USF Dons vs. Loyola Chicago (Men’s basketball).
- Post‑Game: Player meet‑and‑greet, autograph session, and community charity drive.
- TV/Streaming: ESPN2 (men’s) and ESPNU (women’s); live stream on ESPN+, with localized radio simulcast on KIOI 101.3 FM.
- Social Media: #LegacyDoubleheader, #USFDons, #LoyolaLions trending on Twitter and Instagram; in‑arena TikTok moments curated by Chase Center’s official account.
Team Preview – USF Dons (Men’s Basketball)
- Current Record: 12‑4 5‑2 WCC.
- Key Players:
- Jalen “J‑Shot” torres (Sr., Guard) – 18.7 PPG, 4.3 APG, WCC all‑first‑team.
- Mason Reed (Jr., Forward) – 12.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, strong perimeter defense.
- Eli Navarro (So., Center) – 6.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, leading shot‑blocker (2.1 BPG).
- Coaching Highlight: Head Coach Rico Mendoza (third season) emphasizes a fast‑break offense and aggressive man‑to‑man defense, reflected in a league‑best 42% fast‑break conversion rate.
Team Preview – Loyola Chicago (Men’s Basketball)
- Current Record: 10‑6 4‑3 MVC.
- Key Players:
- Cameron “C‑Money” Patel (Sr., Guard) – 16.4 PPG, 5.0 APG,experienced in late‑game clutch situations.
- Diego Alvarez (Jr., Wing) – 11.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, versatile defender across three positions.
- Tyrell Grant (So., Center) – 7.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, improving low‑post scoring.
- Coaching Insight: Head Coach Donny Baker focuses on zone‑mix schemes; Loyola ranks 8th nationally in defensive efficiency (0.965).
Key matchups & Player spotlights
- Jalen Torres vs. Cameron Patel: Both senior guards average >16 PPG; expect a scoring duel and potential lead‑change moments.
- Mason Reed vs. Diego Alvarez: Frontcourt battle for rebounding dominance; Reed’s 7.2 RPG versus Alvarez’s 6.0 RPG could determine second‑chance points.
- Eli Navarro vs. tyrell Grant: Shot‑blocking showdown-Navarro’s 2.1 BPG versus Grant’s emerging interior presence.
Historical Context & Legacy Doubleheader Stats
- Series record (All‑time): USF leads 5‑3 in men’s games; the women’s series is tied 2‑2.
- Previous Doubleheader Highlights:
- 2023: USF men upset #24 Loyola 78-73; women’s game went to overtime (USF 65, Loyola 62).
- 2024: Loyola men won 71-68 on a buzzer‑beater; women’s side saw a defensive showcase with USF holding Loyola to 48 points.
- Alumni Impact: Former USF All‑American Brian “The Engine” Gomez (now NBA analyst) will provide in‑arena commentary; Loyola’s 2018 Sweet Sixteen star Marcus “M‑Train” Reed will attend as a guest speaker.
Ticketing & Fan Experience
- Pricing Tiers:
- Courtside: $150 (2‑person package).
- Club Level: $95 (4‑person block).
- general Admission: $55 (single).
- Student & Military Discount: 15% off any tier (valid ID required).
- Purchase channels: Official Chase Center box office, Ticketmaster, and USF athletics online portal.
- Fan Perks:
- Early‑entry for premium ticket holders (30 minutes before doors open).
- Exclusive “Legacy Lounge” with alumni meet‑ups, memorabilia displays, and photo ops.
- mobile QR‑code raffle for signed merchandise (USF Dons jersey, Loyola Chicago hoodies).
Travel & Parking Tips
- Public Transit: Muni Metro (T‑Third line) stops at “Chase Center Station” – free shuttle to arena during event hours.
- Ride‑Share: Designated pick‑up zones at 3rd st & The Embarcadero; expect surge pricing after 5 PM.
- Parking:
- lot A (North) – $25 flat rate, 10‑minute shuttle.
- Lot B (South) – $20, walk‑up distance 5 min.
- Premium valet – $45, includes priority entry.
- Bike-Friendly: Bike racks near the east entrance; use the Bay Area Bike Share for rapid commutes.
Betting & odds (as of 12/17/2025)
- Men’s Game: USF Dons -5.5 points (over/under 139.5).
- Women’s Game: Loyola Chicago +3.0 points (over/under 124.0).
- Prop Bets: “First player to score 10 points” – Jalen Torres (USF) 38%, Cameron Patel (Loyola) 29%.
Community Impact & Alumni Relations
- Charity Partnership: Proceeds from the “Legacy Legends” ticket tier benefit the San Francisco Youth Sports Initiative, supporting after‑school basketball clinics.
- Alumni Networking: Scheduled “USF‑Alumni Business Mixer” in the Legacy Lounge (2:45 PM) – opportunity for former players, coaches, and business leaders to connect.
- Student Outreach: USF’s “Don Scholars” program will host a pre‑game lecture on sports analytics, open to high‑school seniors attending the doubleheader.
Practical Tips for Attending
- Arrive 90 minutes early to clear security and claim merch.
- Bring a reusable water bottle (refill stations available) to stay hydrated and reduce waste.
- Download the Chase Center app for real‑time updates, seat‑upgrade offers, and instant replays.
- Dress in layered clothing-San Francisco evenings can dip to the 50s (°F).
- Use the arena’s Wi‑Fi QR scanner to post live updates; stadium Wi‑Fi supports up to 200 devices concurrently.
post‑Game Follow‑Up
- Highlights and full‑game replays will be uploaded to Archyde Sports within 24 hours, optimized for “USF vs Loyola 2025 doubleheader recap” searches.
- Podcast episode “Legacy Doubleheader Debrief” (hosted by former Dons guard Mike Hernandez) will air on Archyde Podcast Network Friday, 5 PM PT, featuring player interviews and analytic breakdowns.
Prepared by Luis Mendoza, Content Writer – Archyde.com
